Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, & Bones

January 26, 2018

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the skin, muscles, bones, and tendons. It is the substance that holds the body together. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Collagen is what helps give our skin strength and elasticity (what makes us look so young).

The thing is, with age, the body produces less collagen. The structural integrity of the skin declines. Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens. Starting around age 25, natural collagen production starts to decline by about 1-1.7% each year and I've read that it does not replenish (on it's own). Once you reach the age of 30, the effects of collagen loss become more noticeable.

TOPICAL VS. SUPPLEMENT

Many products containing collagen, including creams and powders, claim to revitalize the skin. However, they say this is unlikely, as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.

Best Bet?

Taking a supplement for better absorption. There are many clinical studies that confirm ingesting a high concentration of hydrolyzed collagen helps to increase skin thickness and reduce wrinkles. Many of these studies were based on consumption of 10,000mg hydrolyzed collagen per day over a period of either 6-8 weeks.

WHY DO I SWEAR BY TAKING COLLAGEN + C?

THIS IS NOT AN AD! THIS IS PURE LOVE.

This particular brand claims to "Increase skin hydration by an average of 21% and up to 50%, with 92% of test subjects experiencing increased skin hydration and 60% experiencing firmer, softer skin."

The high dose of collagen triggers our body's wound repair response - a process that identifies and repairs damaged collagen in the dermis by stimulating the growth of new collagen. I've been taking these supplements for 3 maybe even 4 years now. And when I go to any of my closest friends houses they too have this in their vitamin cabinet.

Within a few weeks I notice my skin looks incredibly dewy, smoother, and even my hair feels better. Sometimes I start feeling and looking so great that I stop taking the supplement and within a week or so I wonder why I don't have that glow anymore? Funny how that works.